Iron River awarded infrastructure grant

April 27, 2013

IRON RIVER - Iron River was one of nine Michigan communities chosen to receive Downtown Infrastructure Grant (DIG) money from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) this year.

Article Photos

Nikki Younk/Daily News PhotoThe Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) presented a $559,000 Downtown Infrastructure Grant (DIG) check to the city of Iron River on Friday. Grant funds will be put toward improvements on Genesee Street. Pictured on Genesee Street are, from left, Jennifer Tucker of the MEDC; Bill LaRock, city council member; Terry Tarsi, mayor; Perry Franzoi, city manager; State Representative Scott Dianda; Marty Fittante of State Senator Tom Casperson’s office; Ed Marcell, city council member; Robb Anderson, engineer with GEI Consultants; and Bob Black, director of the Iron County Chamber of Commerce.

The $559,000 grant will be put toward improvements on Genesee Street from River Avenue to M-189.

Construction is scheduled to start in mid-August.

Iron River City Manager Perry Franzoi said that improvements will include fixing the main water lines and service lines to individual businesses, repaving the street, and installing new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, LED street lights, and decorative planters.

"Basically, everything from building front to building front will be replaced," he said. "It will improve downtown and make it attractive."